Ex-Dolphins coach Adam Gase expected to be hired by AFC East rival New York Jets

The New York Jets have hired Gase as their new head coach, according to multiple reports Wednesday night, keeping the fired Dolphins coach in the AFC East to lead a division rival.

Gase, who was fired by the Dolphins on Dec. 31, will attempt to groom promising young quarterback Sam Darnold in his second NFL coaching job after leading Miami to a 23-26 overall record in three seasons.

Gase, who also interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals, ultimately won the Jets job over former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Baylor coach Matt Rhule among several others who interviewed for the position.

While the Dolphins went 10-6 and were able to reach the playoffs in 2016, they were unable to sustain their success the past two seasons under the leadership of Gase and defensive coordinator Matt Burke.

The Dolphins finished 7-9 in 2018, a slight improvement to the 6-10 record Miami had in 2017.

Here's a look at the six Miami Dolphins coaching candidates.

(Keven Lerner, Safid Deen)

Perhaps Gase’s biggest misstep during his time with the Dolphins may have his loyalty to starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who missed 25 games due to injuries in the past three seasons.

Gase, considered an offensive guru of sorts after working as Peyton Manning’s offensive coordinator in Denver, was unable to recreate his offensive prowess with Tannehill in Miami.

The Dolphins finished this regular season ranked 30th in yards gained for the first time in franchise history under Gase’s direction.

Now, Gase will develop Darnold, the Jets quarterback who was selected second overall in the 2018 NFL draft last April and struggled during most of his rookie season in New York.

The Denver Broncos will hire Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for their head coaching job, while the Cleveland Browns will promote their offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens to be their next head coach, according to multiple reports.

Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross discusses firing Adam Gase and says he's 'not proud' of what the team has done on the football field.

Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross discusses firing Adam Gase and says he's 'not proud' of what the team has done on the football field.

CAPTION

Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross discusses firing Adam Gase and says he's 'not proud' of what the team has done on the football field.

Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross discusses firing Adam Gase and says he's 'not proud' of what the team has done on the football field.

CAPTION

"Right now he's on the roaster," said Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier on whether quarterback Ryan Tannehill will remain with the team.

"Right now he's on the roaster," said Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier on whether quarterback Ryan Tannehill will remain with the team.

CAPTION

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said the search for a new head coach will begin "immediately" Monday after owner Stever Ross announced head coach Adam Gase was fired along with vice president for football operations Mike Tannenbaum.

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said the search for a new head coach will begin "immediately" Monday after owner Stever Ross announced head coach Adam Gase was fired along with vice president for football operations Mike Tannenbaum.

CAPTION

Chris Grier, who just completed his 19th season with the Miami Dolphins and third as the team’s GM, will report directly to Ross and be charged with hiring a head coach.

Chris Grier, who just completed his 19th season with the Miami Dolphins and third as the team’s GM, will report directly to Ross and be charged with hiring a head coach.